Moss is certain that Big Ben was taken from their yard. When she noticed him missing, the gate was still closed. Whoever took him had to close the gate behind them.

But, there was another worry more pressing: how would they pay for Big Ben's care? The emergency veterinary bill was some $1,600 for just one night.

Sherri Green runs a local animal rescue group and helped the Moss family find Big Ben. With few options, they reached out to her for help. Green, in turn, reached out to other animal lovers.

"It puts an owner in a position where a dog could be saved if they had the money," said Sherri Green, "or the dog has to be put down."

Within hours, a GoFundMe had donations pouring in from around the world. The pictures on the page show the severity of some of Big Ben's injuries and are graphic.

"It's still going to be a battle," said Green. "He has very long road ahead of him."

Green arranged for doctors at the Greenville Animal Hospital in Greenville to take over Big Ben's care. He is facing multiple surgeries, if doctors can get him stable. Veterinarians there have agreed to treat him for whatever donors contribute: and the Moss' plan to stay by his side.

"I don't want him to think that we've abandoned him," Moss said. "I don't want him to think he's back in the pound."